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New York Jets: Pass Rush Missing, What’s the Plan for Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine?

September 25th, 2012 at 2:30 PM By Donald Lappe

The New York Jets drafted Quinton Coples in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, hoping he would be part of an effort up front to generate more of a pass rush without having to blitz. The Jets have relied on their secondary since Rex Ryan's arrival, unable to pressure the quarterback without exotic blitz schemes that leave them vulnerable to surrendering big plays. With Darrelle Revis out for the season and the defensive line unable to get to the quarterback, the Jets are going to be forced to pick their poison.

The injury to cornerback Darrelle Revis will leave the New York Jets with a decision to make. The Jets were able to survive without much of a pass rush when their secondary included Darrelle Revis, along with Antonio Cromartie, LaRon Landry and others. Now, one of the top receiving threats on the other team will be covered by Kyle Wilson. Not to knock on Kyle Wilson, but he's not one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. If opposing quarterback are allowed to sit in the pocket, he will be exposed.

On the other side of this issue, the Jets can't create pressure without bringing extra blitzers. There was talk that the Jets might be able to generate a pass rush with just their defensive line this season. That hasn't come close to happening. That will force the Jets to either go all-out and send lots of extra pressure on the quarterback, which will open them up to surrendering some big plays. Or the Jets can sit back in coverage and watch opposing quarterbacks sit in the pocket, and sit in the pocket, and sit in the pocket until someone finally comes open or a defensive lineman finally breaks through.

Having followed Rex Ryan for a while now, expect him to do the former. The loss of Darrelle Revis will make Rex Ryan (and Mike Pettine) more aggressive in calling blitzes and trying to get after quarterbacks. Rex Ryan's father, Buddy Ryan, believed in attacking the quarterback, as does Rex. Even if Darrelle Revis were healthy, there's a good chance the Jets would be turning up the heat right now given their issues getting to the quarterback. Without him, there's no doubt they will.